CS asserts significance of solarisation in streamlining power scenario

Srinagar, June 10: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today held a meeting to review progress achieved, so far, in solarisation of government buildings here in the Union Territory.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Power Development Department, Principal Secretary, Finance, Commissioner Secretary, Science & Technology, Managing Director, JPDCL, KPDCL, Chief Executive Officer, JAKEDA, representatives from JaKeGA, NHPC besides other concerned officers while officers stationed at Jammu participated online.

Dulloo, while highlighting the significance of this prestigious project towards streamlining power scenario, stressed on framing a vibrant implementation strategy in sync with availability of resources, manpower and allied capacities of the department.

In this regard, he called for conducting a thorough analysis of all the available models adopted by different States and UTs so that the best suitable can be replicated in J&K. He also reviewed availability of funds with the department and the proportion to be pooled from other departments. He asked about the preparations being made on account of successful implementation of this ambitious scheme here besides assessing the status of tenders, data compilation and consultation with stakeholders.

The Chief Secretary asked for maintaining close coordination with the PDD Discoms for evacuation of surplus energy and realization of revenue indicating roles for each of the associated partners.

In his presentation, Commissioner Secretary, S&T, Saurabh Bhagat, detailed out the implementation strategy framed by the department for 100 percent solarization of government buildings in the UT. He also gave a brief account about the institutional set-up put in place by the department to achieve this milestone professionally.

It was informed in the meeting that J&K Energy Development Agency, under Capex mode, shall be implementing 70 MW covering 8792 government buildings for which tendering process is underway. It was added that JAKEDA, under RESCO mode, is contemplating to execute 175 MW covering 7039 buildings for which tender document and PPA has been vetted by the Finance Department. Besides, it was informed that NHPC, under RESCO mode, shall be executing 63 MW of solar energy production covering 2838 buildings. It was said that NHPC has created an SPV for the same. The agency is also covering all the central government buildings present in the UT.

The meeting was also apprised that out of the total of 32,016 government buildings, 22,494 had been found feasible for solarisation. Besides, 17 percent of buildings had already been taken-up and completed by JAKEDA, so far, making the UT among the top performers at national level.